Toasted Pecan and Coconut Granola

Once you make homemade granola you will NEVER be able to go back to the store bought kind. If you are not prepared to make your own from now on, turn away now! You might think I am exaggerating, but NO. This granola is perfect for snacking, topping on a smoothie bowl, or in a bowl with your milk of choice.  It is sugar free and packed with superfoods! I noticed that even the majority of "healthy" granolas still packed their product with sugar, too much sweetener, and not enough nutrients. Granola is a perfect method to add whatever supplements you'd like because it blends all the flavor so well. I add flax seed, chia seed and hemp seed to mine for a little extra nutritional value in each bite. This granola is whole grain, made with coconut oil and sugar free. 

I have messed around with this recipe dozens of times and have finally perfected the ratio of nuts to oats to sweetener to cinnamon. It's basically everything I've ever wanted in a granola and now you can have it right in your kitchen! I store my extra granola in an air tight container for up to two weeks!

Old Fashion Oats: These oats will keep their shape during baking. They are an awesome base for a hearty granola!

Nuts and Seeds: I use pecans and almonds, which are full of omega 3's. I love the taste of toasted pecans, it's seriously addicting! 

Coconut Oil: I love coconut oil because it adds the perfect crisp to the toppings. It is a healthy fat and loaded with goodness.

Sweetener: I love doing a mix of 100% pure maple syrup and organic honey. You can do one or the other, I just love the taste of both!

Spices: Sea salt adds the perfect pop to the granola and really makes the flavors come out! I love the cinnamon in the mix, it just adds the necessary extra flavor. I love the addition of vanilla in the mix also. I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg also. 

Fruit: Unsweetened chunks of coconut are my go to fruit addition! When they get slightly browned nd toasted the flavor really pops. You can also add dried cranberries or blueberries!

Add-ins: I love adding chia seeds, ground flaxseeds, and hemp seeds. It's such an easy way to add some extra nutrients into your granola!

WARNING: Once you make homemade granola you will NEVER be able to go back to the store bought kind. If you are not prepared to make your own from now on, turn away now! You might think I am exaggerating, but NO. This granola is perfect for snacking, topping on a smoothie bowl, or in a bowl with your milk of choice.  It is sugar free and packed with superfoods!Granola is a perfect method to add whatever supplements you'd like because it blends all the flavor so well. I add flax seed, chia seed and hemp seed to mine for a little extra nutritional value in each bite. This granola is whole grain, made with coconut oil and sugar free. 

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of old fashioned oats
• 1 1/2 cups of raw pecans (chopped)
• 1/2 cup of almonds (chopped)
• 3/4 cup of shredded coconut (unsweetened)
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup coconut oil (melted)
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 cup pure honey
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed (optional)
• 2 Tbsp. chia seeds (optional)
• 2 Tbsp. hemp seeds (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: the oats, pecans, almonds, salt, cinnamon, coconut, flaxseed, chia seed, and hemp seeds. Stir well to combine.
2. Pour in the wet ingredients: coconut oil, honey, maple syrup, and vanilla. Mix well until evenly coated. Pour the mixture onto the baking sheet and spread out evenly with a spoon. Bake 22-24 minutes, or until golden. Stir halfway to evenly crisp. Once you remove the granola from the oven it will continue to crisp. 
3. Let the granola cool before serving. Store in an air tight container for 1-2 weeks and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.